Yes, Ernie AI is now free to use — but with specific limitations. Baidu officially made Ernie Bot available at no cost to the public in April 2024. This shift was part of Baidu’s effort to expand access to AI in China and compete more directly with ChatGPT and other models.
You can use Ernie AI without paying, but only within China and through approved platforms like the Ernie Bot app or Baidu’s Wenxin Yiyan portal.
There’s no international version or official English release. If you’re accessing it outside China, you’ll need to go through third-party sites—which may not always offer the latest features or full access.
Here’s what you should understand before signing up or using Ernie AI for free.
Is Ernie AI free?
Yes, ERNIE Bot is now free for all users. Starting April 1, 2025, Baidu made its AI chatbot, ERNIE Bot, freely accessible across both desktop and mobile platforms.
Overview of Ernie AI’s pricing models
Baidu offers a tiered pricing model for ERNIE Bot:
- Free Plan: Access to ERNIE Bot 3.5, which includes capabilities for content creation, summarization, and business writing.
- Professional Plan: Provides access to the latest ERNIE Bot 4.0 model at 59.9 yuan per month (approximately $8.18 USD), with a discounted rate of 49.9 yuan per month for auto-renewal subscribers.
Free features of Ernie AI
With the free version, users can:
- Engage in unlimited conversations per day.
- Utilize support for several languages.
- Search and summarize online topics.
- Access text-based AI tasks like drafts, reports, and summaries.
These features are available without the need for payment details or subscriptions.
Limitations of the free version
The free version has certain limitations to manage resource usage:
- Daily or monthly message caps during high demand periods.
- No early access to new features or premium integrations.
- Limited data privacy settings compared to paid accounts.
Accessing and using Ernie AI
To use ERNIE Bot:
- Visit the official ERNIE Bot website: https://yiyan.baidu.com/
- Create a Baidu account by registering with your email or phone number.
- Log in and start using ERNIE Bot.
Note: ERNIE Bot primarily operates in Chinese. If you’re outside China, you might encounter regional restrictions; using a VPN and browser translation tools can help navigate these challenges.
Eligibility for free access
ERNIE Bot is free for all individual users. Baidu announced that everyone can access the latest version starting April 1, 2025. This includes both desktop and mobile users.
Free access encompasses basic features such as chat and information searches. However, free accounts may have some limits, like daily usage caps or slower response speeds.
Anyone with a valid email address or phone number can sign up. Currently, businesses and organizations may have separate terms or limited access under the free plan.
Upgrading to paid plans
If you require additional features, such as higher daily limits, faster responses, or advanced tools, you can upgrade to a paid plan.
Upgrading is typically done through the ERNIE Bot website or app. Look for options labeled “Upgrade” or “Premium.” Some plans may also unlock business tools, data analysis, higher API quotas, or early access to new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can users access ERNIE AI?
You can access ERNIE AI directly through both desktop and mobile devices. Baidu has streamlined the process, eliminating the need for special equipment or software. Simply visit Baidu’s official ERNIE Bot platform and create an account to begin.
What are the costs associated with using ERNIE AI?
ERNIE AI became free for everyone in April 2025. All users, including businesses and individuals, can use its main chatbot features at no charge. Upgraded versions with extra features or faster performance may require payment for heavy or advanced use.
Are there any free versions of AI bots comparable to ERNIE?
Yes, several free AI chatbots are available, including:
- Google Gemini (limited free access)
- ChatGPT (OpenAI offers a free tier)
- Bing AI (Microsoft’s browser and search assistant)
These bots, like ERNIE AI, offer free versions with options to pay for extra features or higher usage limits.
What differentiates ERNIE AI from other AI chatbots like ChatGPT?
ERNIE AI stands out due to its strong support for the Chinese language and cultural context. Its responses are tailored to Chinese speech patterns and knowledge bases.
Also, Baidu built ERNIE on its own training data, focusing on high accuracy in language understanding. Features, speed, and interface design may also differ from other bots like ChatGPT or Gemini.
What features does the latest version of ERNIE AI offer?
The latest release, ERNIE Bot 4.0, offers faster replies and improved understanding of both Chinese and English.
Users have access to document creation, summarization, conversational Q&A, image generation, and code completion.
ERNIE AI is available on desktop and mobile, facilitating use across devices. Some new features and services may be tested first in China before a global rollout.
By making ERNIE Bot free, Baidu aims to broaden access to its AI technologies and compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving AI market.
